Central Bank’s Concession to Catalyze Cross-Border Commerce

Bangladesh Bank has announced a significant relaxation in export procedures for e-commerce entrepreneurs. Under the new directive, exporters may now ship goods worth up to USD 1,000—or an equivalent amount in foreign currency—without the need to file an Export Declaration (EXP) Form. Previously, this ceiling was set at USD 500.

The Foreign Exchange Policy Department of Bangladesh Bank issued two separate circulars on Wednesday, 5 November, outlining the revised provisions. According to the central bank, this decision is expected to encourage small-scale and online exporters to conduct cross-border trade more actively through digital platforms.

Under the revised guideline, export proceeds from such declaration-exempt shipments may be repatriated through licensed Mobile Financial Service Providers (MFS) and Payment Service Providers (PSPs). As a result, exporters will now be able to receive export earnings directly into their digital wallets or accounts.

Previously, MFS and PSP institutions were only permitted to repatriate earnings from information technology service exports. With this new directive, their operational scope has now expanded to include revenue from low-value merchandise exports.

Bangladesh Bank further stated that authorized dealer banks must ensure that all such transactions comply with existing regulatory frameworks and due diligence requirements.

Industry stakeholders have welcomed the move as a transformative step for small exporters and e-commerce entrepreneurs. They believe the initiative will streamline export procedures, enhance transparency, simplify foreign currency repatriation for small traders, and help increase formal inflows of foreign exchange into the country.

DBTech/BB/IK/OR